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Pisco Apple Cider Punch

Cold winter days are perfect for warm drinks, but even before Thanksgiving I will find any excuse to prepare a batch of my favorite hot toddy variation. What to serve for an event at Omnivore books? Pisco Apple Cider Punch. A party at a friend’s house? Pisco Apple Cider Punch. The holiday party at the office? Pisco Apple Cider Punch. You have a sore throat and don’t know what will make it better? Pisco. Apple. Cider. Punch.

The best part of sharing this drink with as many people as possible is their reactions. From “wow!” to “this is amazing!” and “can you please make me another one?” I smile and serve until it’s all gone. All you need to make some at home is apple juice, sugar, a cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, some apples, and your favorite bottle of Pisco. Now invite over about a dozen friends who are about to have their new favorite winter drink.

INGREDIENTS

12 cups unfiltered apple cider

3 cups sugar

1 cinnamon stick

4 cloves

1 Pisco bottle

nutmeg zest and apple rounds or wedges for garnish

PREPARATION

Warm the apple cider, cinnamon, and cloves in a stock pot over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Remove from heat before it begins to boil. Serve in a glass, 3 parts warm apple cider to 1 part Pisco. Garnish with nutmeg zest and an apple round or wedge.

YIELD

12 or more servings, depending on size.

NOTES

Keep the warm apple cider and Pisco separate, only combine when preparing a serving. A small glass or coupe is perfect for combining 3 oz. apple cider and 1 oz. Pisco. A larger 8 oz. glass will work for 6 oz. apple cider and 2 oz. Pisco. You can reheat the apple cider to make sure each serving is warm.